Jeff

Hello, I'm Josie, a 30-year-old woman from São Gabriel do Oeste, a city nestled in the heart of Brazil. I first encountered The Chosen in 2021, a few months after my father, my rock, succumbed to cancer. His loss left me adrift, searching for something to anchor me. That's when The Chosen came into my life. I was immediately captivated by the series, which portrayed Jesus in a way I'd never seen before - as a human, relatable and real. It was through this depiction that I began to grasp why He had called me. Fast forward to the start of this year, I found myself revisiting the three seasons of The Chosen. This was after a period of self-isolation from church and surviving two suicide attempts. Watching the series again, I found a renewed perspective on life, God, and Jesus. I won't pretend that everything is perfect now. I still grapple with depression, but I'm learning to cope, to keep moving forward. The Chosen has been a beacon of hope in my life, a testament to the power of faith. I'm grateful for the work they do. May God bless them.

In 2018, I became a widow. The adjustments that come with losing a long-term partner are immense. Throughout it all, I held onto my faith in the Lord and His promises for widows. It was around Christmas time when I stumbled upon the original short episode that premiered before The Chosen was even produced. As I watched it, tears streamed down my face. I was completely emotionally invested in this short film. I couldn't stop watching it, and I started recommending it to everyone I knew. I felt compelled to learn more about the producers and the people behind this incredible project. My heart and spirit told me that I needed to invest in it, not just emotionally, but financially as well. To be honest, I didn't have a lot of money, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I am so grateful that God allowed me to be a part of it from the beginning. I only wish I had been a wealthy widow so I could have done more. But as Dallas always says, "Loaves and fishes!" In my case, I may have only brought a scrap of bread and a sardine, but it still made me feel incredible to be a part of something so meaningful. I continue to recommend the series to everyone I know. Recently, one of my daughters started watching it too. She has now watched the entire available series multiple times. Surprisingly, she has also developed an interest in Middle Eastern cooking because of The Chosen. I never saw that coming, but it's a nice bonus! I want to express my deepest gratitude to Dallas and everyone involved in this project. God's hand is truly all over it.

My journey as a Christian began amidst adversity and danger. After converting to Christianity, my family and I faced severe threats in Tunisia, which led us to seek refuge in the Middle East. Here, I became part of the Lighthouse Arab World ministry, using media and art to spread the evangelical message. My life took a significant turn when my son introduced me to "The Chosen," a series depicting the life of Jesus. Watching it, I was immediately struck by its artistic depth, the stunning cinematography, and the powerful portrayal of characters, especially Matthew. It resonated deeply with me. "The Chosen" was more than just a series for me; it was a revelation. I saw my own experiences of rejection mirrored in Matthew's life, bringing a sense of connection and understanding. This spurred me and my team at Lighthouse in Egypt and Lebanon to embark on a significant mission: translating "The Chosen" into Arabic and other languages. We recognized its potential to reach hearts in a way few other things could, aiming to make it accessible in 100 languages. The impact of "The Chosen" on the youth across the Arab region has been extraordinary. In places like Beirut, Egypt, and Syria, young people, Christian and non-Christian alike, are experiencing Christ in a completely new light. They're engaging with a story that they've never understood so intimately before. Our work with "The Chosen" is not just about translation; it's about opening doors to new perspectives and hope. It's an opportunity to show God's love and salvation in a way that's relatable and transformative. This is why I'm so passionate about this project – it's more than a series, it's a tool for change, offering a new vision of hope and redemption to all who watch it.

What a privilege to join the millions of voices around the world. Let me start by saying that I am not a Christian. I left the church when I was just 14 years old, and now I'm 78. My journey has been long and incredible, so I'll try to keep it brief. For 40 years, I searched for something spiritual. I devoured countless books by amazing teachers, and I had moments of awe and wonder. I studied and practiced, but it was nature that truly spoke to me—the beauty and tranquility of God's creation. However, I still couldn't find a love that felt genuine to me. Something was missing. Then, a couple of years ago, by some undeserved grace, a friend recommended that I watch The Chosen. It was a revelation. The show's messages were more valuable than any diamonds or rubies. It was a feast of love that changed my life. I bought the DVDs for seasons 1, 2, and 3, and every night, I can hardly bring myself to watch anything else. I'm eagerly awaiting season 4. The entire cast is exceptional. Since I have no family, The Chosen family sits with me at the dinner table. Jonathan's portrayal of Jesus is masterful. I feel his love and faith. If I had known this Jesus when I was younger, I doubt I would have ever left the church. Matthew's character resonates with so many of us who have been hurt by not fitting in. I relate to Little James because I also have a broken hip, and I understand the deeper meaning behind why he wasn't healed. As for loving the "bad guys," I can't explain it, but Quintus with his infectious laugh, Atticus with his quiet strength, and Gaius caring for Matthew and befriending Simon—each one is so special. And how could I forget the Zealot? The writers are truly brilliant. They bring Scripture to life in the most incredible way. Their words feel divinely inspired. When I picked up the Bible for the first time after watching The Chosen, it was like the scriptures came alive before my eyes. For 40 years, I wandered spiritually without even realizing I was lost, just like Matthew. But now, Jesus has found me, this old lady. I am overflowing with His love, and I know He is always by my side. When it's my time to go, I trust that He will guide me into the eternal love that He embodies. I must give a special mention to Dallas and his unwavering commitment to answering God's call. I am deeply grateful that he faced his own challenges to bring the love of Christ to the world. I've attached a picture of the Chosen gifts that adorn my altar and greet me every morning during my prayerful writing. They serve as a reminder of the incredible life that has unfolded for me in these later years—all because of my relationship with Jesus. "He won't let me go." I'm currently writing a book about how I encountered Jesus, my master. It's titled A Lantern in the Darkness. This is my legacy. I now have no doubt in His love, and I want to share this with others. We are the lanterns that illuminate the world, and as long as we keep our flames burning bright, darkness cannot prevail.